ITI Curriculum Revision and Women's Enrollment Initiatives
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has announced that ITI curricula are now revised every three years, aligning with NEP 2020 and NCrF, and that 40 courses have already been updated. Additionally, the government has approved 30% reservation for women in all ITI courses, a significant step towards gender parity in skill training.
Background
The Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) is a flagship program under the Directorate General of Training (DGT) that provides vocational training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India. Previously, curricula were revised every five years, but the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCrF) have necessitated a more frequent revision cycle.
Key facts
DGT offers 170 courses under CTS through ITIs, aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and approved by NCVET.
Curricula are now revised every three years, as per NEP 2020 and NCrF guidelines, instead of the earlier five-year cycle.
So far, 40 CTS curricula have been revised; the rest will be updated based on industry needs and stakeholder consultations.
Revision process involves consultations with state governments, industry representatives, Sector Skill Councils, NSTIs, subject experts, and other stakeholders.
New technologies like AI, IoT, automation, green energy, electric mobility, and digital skills are being incorporated into revised curricula.
32 new-age/future skill courses have been introduced in areas like AI, mechatronics, electric vehicles, industrial robotics, advanced manufacturing, IoT, electronics, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and renewable energy.
Seven courses are exclusively for women: Dress Making, Sewing Technology, Surface Ornamentation Techniques, Computer Aided Embroidery and Designing, Fashion Design and Technology, Cosmetology, and Spa Therapy.
The government has approved 30% reservation for women in all courses in both government and private ITIs.
Short-term, industry-aligned courses have also been developed for upskilling and reskilling.
All courses are NSQF-compliant and approved by NCVET.
Prelims pointers
- Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS)
- Directorate General of Training (DGT)
- National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)
- National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- National Curriculum Framework (NCrF)
- Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- 30% reservation for women in ITIs
- 32 new-age skill courses
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of vocational training in achieving the goals of NEP 2020 and enhancing employability.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of the 30% reservation for women in ITIs in promoting gender equality in the workforce.
- Analyze the significance of revising ITI curricula every three years in the context of Industry 4.0 and emerging technologies.